Baby Bird is a book about friendship and accepting yourself just the way you are. I felt like this book started off strong but the message was a little unclear and it ended rather abruptly. The illustrations were the highlight of this book for and they were just gorgeously done. I think the message could be tweaked a bit to be stronger. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

Baby Bird is an adorable character. He is the fourth bird in the nest, but he was born with a difference. One of his wings did not develop and when all his siblings fly off, he can't go with them. No matter how hard he tries, he is not able to fly. Even as he falls and falls again, he keeps trying. When he meets a goose, they develop a friendship and "Cooter" tries to help him. Finally, Baby Bird and Cooter accept that he will never fly. Fortunately Cooter knows what to say and do to help Baby Bird realize that there is more than one way to fly.

Of course there are a couple of wonderful messages in this book. Baby Bird learns that sometimes we need a little help from friends as well as our own acceptance that we can overcome difficulties that we have no control over. Baby Bird realizes that he is wonderful even if he can't fly. The wonderful message about friendship, helping and encouraging one another as well as acceptance is an important one. A great addition to a home, school or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Baby Bird by Andrew Gibbs is a sweet tale about the value of friendship, and learning to be comfortable with yourself, no matter your circumstances.

Baby Bird wants to fly. Now is the time when fledglings are leaving their nests. But Baby Bird has one wing that is smaller than the other. He tries to fly, because that's what birds do, but with his crippled wing, he can only flutter. He practises and practises, but try as he may, Baby Bird keeps falling down. Cooter, a big black and white pond bird, has been watching Baby Bird practise and comes to ask what he's doing. Cooter decides to help, and together they try different things to help Baby Bird stay aloft. In the end, Baby Bird comes to realise that not being able to fly is okay, and doesn't take away his 'birdness’.

My cubs and I loved this story! It rather hit home with me especially, since I've lost an eye. While not something I was born with, it is something I had to adjust to, and that was very difficult. I had to learn that it was okay that I could no longer do things I could before. My little ones pointed out that everyone needs a friend like Cooter. Cooter didn't care that Baby Bird couldn't fly, or had a bum wing. He saw someone in distress and did his best to try and help. In doing so, he made a new friend.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

Note: I received digital review copies of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. ( )